Nam Phan vs. Billy Evangelista announced for June 27 Strikeforce

http://mmajunkie.comBrazilian jiu-jitsu stand-out Nam Phan (14-4) and undefeated American Kickboxing Academy lightweight Billy Evangelista (6-0) will meet at a June 27 Strikeforce show set for the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

The organization announced the bout on Monday.

“Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson,” which airs on HDNet, features a main event between Strikeforce world lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thomson.

Phan, a longtime King of the Cage and Palace Fighting Championship fighter, made his only Strikeforce appearance in December 2006 and suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Thomson. In fact, the only two losses in his past 11 fights came to Thomson and K-1 HERO’S/DREAM notable Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante.

“It should be a great matchup,” Phan stated. “I know [Evangelista’s] pretty good at wrestling and OK at jiu-jitsu, and he’s got great Muay Thai. I think his striking is better than mine, but my strength is jiu jitsu. I always prefer jiu jitsu and submitting opponents.”

Evangelista, who turned pro in January 2006, has posted six consecutive victories (four via stoppage) to begin his career. Three of those victories have come with Strikeforce, including his latest win — a third-round knockout of “The Ultimate Fighter” cast member Marlon Sims in March.

As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported, the June 27 Strikeforce event will also feature a title fight between Strikeforce world light heavyweight champion Bobby Southworth and Anthony Ruiz. A bout between Shonie Carter and Luke Stewart could also be finalized shortly.

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